Investigation of usability of Urfa stone in urban furniture design

Abstract

Purpose: In this study, differing from other studies in the literature, it is investigated that Urfa stone taken from the quarries of Şanlıurfa region can be used as a design element in urban furniture due to its ease of processability by hand and CNC machine. Theory and Methods: Urfa stone was processed by hand and CNC machine, and urban furniture was produced. The mineralogical and petrographical, chemical, physico-mechanical and petrophysical properties of the Urfa stone is determined. Results: Urfa stone is in crystalline form and has a sparite texture containing 55.31% CaO and 0.24% SiO2. Porosity ratio is 16.50%, specific gravity is 2450 kg/m3, water absorption amount is 9.15%, compressive strength is 19.70 MPa, bending strength is 5.21 MPa and impact strength is 4.05 kPa. In petrophysical properties, Δ (percentage change in properties) values after freze-thaw test were found between 1.63% and 16.14%, and Δ values after salt crystallization test were found between 3.27% and 24.57%. According to this property change (%), it is more resistant to deterioration than other natural stones originating from calcium carbonate. Conclusion: The usage performance of Urfa limestone in urban furniture has been proven to be good according to engineering characterization tests. As a result of the study, it was determined that Urfa stone, which can be easily processed using a CNC machine, can be used in urban furniture by designing a new product.